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Some of Kansas University's most widely regarded graduate programs held their places on the 2015 U.S. News and Report's list of "Best Graduate Schools."

The university placed 10 programs in the top 10 for public universities, the same number as in last year's list, but down from 12 two years ago.

KU's city management and special education programs both stayed in the number one spot for their respective fields at public universities.

Likewise, occupational therapy stayed at number two among similar programs at public universities, public administration stayed at number three, public affairs stayed at number four and clinical child psychology stayed at number five.

Some KU programs gained ground. Every specialty in KU's School of Engineering moved up. The School of Medicine's primary care program jumped from 25 to 17. The school's medical research program did not make the top 40 last year but came in at 32 this year.

The School of Law's JD program, which didn't make the top 40 last year, was ranked 37.

KU's business master's program gained as well, coming in at 47.

KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said raising the quality and standing of graduate programs is a long-term goal for the university.

"Of course, rankings are just one measure, and our ultimate success will be judged by how well we serve the people of Kansas," she sad. "These rankings show that we’re on the right track."

Other programs ranked in the top 10 for public universities are: speech-language-pathology at 6th, audiology at 7th, physical therapy at 9th and the School of Education at 10th.